Friday, February 29, 2008

Witchball by Kathleen Coddington

Whew! I've just been crankin' out the reviews, haven't I? Keeps me busy though, and it's a good busy, so I'm not complaining! Witchball was a fun read, and I definately recommend it, for your shelf...err...electronic shelf, I suppose, since it's an e-book. :-)

Witch Ball
Kathleen Coddington

Cerridwen Press
August 2007
E-book
201 pages
Paranormal Romance

One night, way back in 1707, in Lady’s Cove, Maine, Miranda, as the high priestess is heading out to the altar to perform a ritual of protection. However, upon arriving, she finds herself being entrapped in a witch ball by an evil and dark spell. The one who cast the spell, cast it out of jealousy, in order to become high priestess, and in order to have Miranda’s soon to be husband, Nathaniel. As the spell is taking over, Miranda finds out that she may be trapped there for all eternity…

Present Day: Nathaniel Swann finds himself moving into a new house with his daughter Caitlin, in Lady’s Cove, 9 months after his wife, her mother’s death. The same day as their arrival, Nathanial and Caitlin stop inside a little store, and Caitlin is instantly captured by the witch balls on display. Upon, encouragement from Dad to buy one, Caitlin picks the oddest one of all: the one hanging above the register, on display. As Nathaniel is trying to rinse off the dust, in order to hang the witch ball, he drops it. Upon dropping it, there is a flash of white light, and what remains is a woman…

The woman is Miranda, and it is now up to her to convince Nathaniel that they are soul mates, and that he truly does know who she is. But Nathaniel is all about cold hard facts. With Caitlin’s help, Miranda can convince Nathanial that she is who she says, and the can move on…together.

Kathleen Coddington writes one witchy novel! Miranda and Nathaniel were very well developed, and Nathaniel had the exact reactions and suspicions, you would expect any man like him to have, placed in his situation. And where Nathanial is suspicious and rash, Miranda is his exact counter-part, being kind and understanding. The storyline was continuous, as well as perfectly resolved at the end. Kathleen Coddington really knows how to create a paranormal atmosphere, while keeping the reader tied into reality!

--Denise Kivett
PNR Reviews
October 18, 2007


*Heat Rating:2- Cupid’s Passion Arrow
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Violence Rating: *2- Blunt-Tipped Arrow
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Official Blurb:

Their love was eternal. Until forbidden magic threatened to tear them apart forever.

When Nathaniel Swann and his daughter move to the small town of Lady's Cove, Maine, the last thing he expects is the beautiful woman who appears in his kitchen after he accidentally breaks a witch ball, a housewarming gift from his neighbor. A hardheaded scientist, he refuses to believe the woman's fantastic tale of magical spells, eternal love and reincarnation.

Released after being imprisoned for three hundred years in the witch ball, Miranda Hawthorne is reunited with the man she is destined to be with throughout time. Her joy is short-lived when she discovers that Nathaniel no longer remembers her or their love. How can she convince him to help her to break the witch ball's lingering spell before the bond between them is severed for all eternity?

And in the house next door the priestess responsible for the witch ball's spell plots to prevent them from discovering the secret that will set Miranda completely free.


Buy Witch Ball!

Read and Excerpt from Cerridwen Press

Visit Kathleen's Website

Check out the Official PNR Post for Witchball

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
Rogues and Romance


*NOTE* Yet, another older review, somehow saved as a draft...We'll be looking for these within the next couple of days. Sorry guys!

Of God's and One Woman by Dahlia Rose

One of my first reviews was Midnight Encounter's, and anthology, which I did for Paranormal Romance Reviews. Dahlia Rose was one of the author's in the anthology, and I just loved her work. So, you could say that I was on the prowl for more of her work! :-) I was lucky enough to run across Of God's and One Woman, and I loved this one just as much as her story in Midnight Encounter's! And that's not all! Dahlia Rose actually just recently contacted Rogues and Romance to review 3 of her books! So, check back for more reviews of Dahlia's work!



Of God’s and One Woman
Dahlia Rose

Aphrodite’s Apples
August 2007
116 Pages
E-Book
Mythological

Ares and Hades are brothers. Ares patrols the world’s wars, while Hades rules over the Underworld. Then one day while Ares is watching a beautiful woman take on six men much bigger than her, Hades arrives to collect her soul, so that she can spend eternity in the wonderful Elysian Fields. Ares then strikes a bargain with his brother: a favor for a favor. He wants the woman, as he has been watching her for quite sometime but never making himself known to her, for he is a God.

But just because Sasha is dead does not mean life has left her, for she is more wild and vibrant in the afterlife, it would seem. After Ares finally convinces her that she IS in fact dead, he informs her that she is in fact, in Hell. Though, Sasha has no idea why she ended up THERE, doing so much good during life. However, there is an upside, Ares informs her that Hades can put her soul back into her body, but for a small price: to be Ares’ concubine in the mortal world. Sasha agrees…

But Sasha would NEVER be any man’s concubine, no matter what. As soon as Sasha and Ares arrive in the mortal world, Sasha takes him by surprise, knocks him down, and flees. At first Ares is angered by her actions, but soon finds himself laughing, for the chase is now on…

Ares never agrees, or lets anyone else agree to anything, unless he knows for certain that things will work out appropriately, like with Sasha. He knows he will have her, but Sasha will never allow herself to be forced into anything. It is up to Sasha, as to whether or not their love and sexual desires will spark and ignite, or will Ares be forced to send her back to the Underworld…

But just as Ares is completely captivated and fascinated by Sasha, he dismisses his long lover: Discordia. For that Ares will pay, for Discordia is the Goddess of discord and mayhem. She will find his new lover, and destroy her.

Dahlia Rose has a knack for writing exceptionally well stories. She infuses highly sexual scenes with an intense storyline. Dahlia Rose has also crafted some realistic yet funny characters. The relationship between a God, Ares, and a human, Sasha, is just funny. Ares, for being so fascinated with humans, knows little about their world, and badgers Sasha like a two-year-old. Yet, he is extremely patient with her and understanding. Where as Sasha is the exact opposite; she grows tired of his questions, and though she tries to be kind to him, she finds it hard, being forced into being his concubine and all. If you love Dahlia Rose’s work, you will LOVE Of God’s and One Woman, and if you’ve never given her a try, then start now!

--Denise Kivett
PNR Reviews
October 24, 2007


Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow
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Online Videos by Veoh.com

Official Blurb:
(from Aphrodite's Apples)

Ares...God of War
Aries God of war, all powerful and a warrior for thousands of years. Now in modern times mortals has forgotten the ways of old and gods have been placed in the history books. Aries long for battles and he is tired of watching from the sideline as the world wages its wars. Until he met her a modern day crime fighter that takes on the battles on the street alone. She fights for the weak and defenseless and she completely captivated Aries. One night as she fights she is killed and Aries ask his brother to put her soul back into her body.

Sasha Green knew one minute she was fighting with a group of thugs and then her soul was out of her body. The night gets stranger when she finds herself in the underworld staring at Aries and his brother Aries who is telling her thant she is dead. Her soul can be replaced in her body but for a price. She must let Aries fight with her and oh yes, she must become his concubine. Sasha has no other choice but to accept his offer is she wants to be alive once again. But she is not going to go down that path willingly.

From the very beginning Passion and heat flares between the god of war and the mortal woman who he stands with to fight the evils of the street. Soon there is something neither of them expected…Love, and danger as well. Will a mortal and a god be able to fit love in between battles and all the obstacles they must over come?

Buy Of God's and One Woman from Aphrodite's Apples!

Read an Excerpt

Visit Dahlia Rose

Check out Dahlia Rose's Blog

Read the Official PNR Review for Of God's and One Woman

Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R


*NOTE* Somehow this post was saved as draft, and was never published. Hence, the "old" links. :-)

Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Pirate Wench by Melinda Barron

Yet, another great work of fiction by Melinda Barron. Enjoy the review for The Pirate Wench. I hope this review entices you, the reader, as much as the story did me!

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The Pirate Wench
Melinda Barron

Resplendence Publishing, LLC.
November 2007
eBook
116 pages

Melani is at Ahoy, Matey, a theme park, as a guest, maid of honor, undercover employee, and author. The park has been opened for ten years, thus far, and weddings have recently been added to attract even more guests. Melani’s best friend, Ellie will be the first to be married at the park—to the park’s owner: The Pirate King. However, Melani is about to become a pirate wench, and she’s not so thrilled about that…

Whew! And the outfit she has to wear! Melani is beyond sexy, but she, personally just isn’t into those little sexy pirate outfits. That is until she meets Royce, a fellow pirate. Melani the writer doesn’t stare at sexy, and all too manly men, but what about Melani the pirate wench? Melani can definitely see why Ellie thought that Florida and Ahoy, Matey were so enticing…

Then, Royce is given the opportunity to take Melani to dinner, and he jumps at the chance. Dinner of course could lead to dessert, but just how hot and heavy will this pirate and pirate wench get?

A pirate romance! What could be more exciting? All of these characters are absolutely fascinating. The meld together so well, and it’s very easy to relate to where each character comes from. Melinda Barron has proven that she is an absolutely fantastic writer. So, go grab yourself a copy of The Pirate Wench, it won’t disappoint!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance


*Heat Rating:3- Cupid’s Ardor Arrow
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*Violence Rating: 0-No Violence

Official Blurb:
Can a staid, by-the-book journalist find love with a modern day pirate?

Melani Canton is about to find out. When she travels to Florida to be maid-of-honor at her best friend’s wedding, she takes on an extra duty: taking a good look at Ahoy, Matey, the pirate- themed park where the wedding is set to take place, and writing a story that will attract visitors. While there, she meets handsome swashbuckler, Royce McKenna. Royce is a former lawyer who has given up the courtroom for life on the high seas, amusement park style.

McKenna is the co-owner of Ahoy, Matey. When Royce sees Melani he knows that he has to have her. Melani is not, however, the type to sleep with a man she has just met.

So Royce does what any good pirate would do. He “abducts” Melani and gives her a wild night of passion on his pirate ship, where Melani discovers that being Royce’s pirate wench isn’t such a bad thing. But when the time comes for her to go back to her stoic life, will Royce let her sail off into the sunset? Or will he find a way to keep his Pirate Wench?

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Happy Reading!
*Dee*

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tiger's Eye by Catherine Chernow

And here we are with number 2 in the Bride's Inn Series! If you enjoyed Lady In White, then Tiger's Eye by Catherine Chernow is sure to please. We have also been asked by Catherine to review Magic Man, the third in this wonderful series. That will be coming soon!

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Tiger’s Eye
Bride’s Inn Series: Book 2
Catherine Chernow

Resplendence Publishing, LLC
December 2007
E-book
94 Pages
Erotic Paranormal Romance

In Tiger’s Eye we are introduced to two new characters at the Bride’s Inn. Meet Jake Hunter a.k.a. Grady Smith and Miranda Hollander. They both have similar, yet tragic backgrounds. Miranda lost her young son not too long ago. He was murdered, and then, her marriage fell apart. Jake lost his wife in a car accident, which also claimed their unborn child. They are both guests at the Bride’s Inn, where Clarice, a pregnant Serena, and Seth still reside.

Jake arrives late at night at the Bride’s Inn, and he was sent promptly to his room, where he dreamt of a beautiful woman with long dark hair. When he awoke however, his dream became a reality. Jake had slipped into the wrong room, Miranda’s room. The Lady in White, who also resides within the walls of the Bride’s Inn, will bring these two tortured souls together because what Miranda will soon realize is that Jake is her tiger prince…

Catherine Chernow has written a magnificent sequel to Lady in White. Tiger’s Eye is very similar to its predecessor, yet different enough to draw you in and keep you reading! The Lady in White is a magnificent character, as she is what truly ties these stories together. The fact that Chernow has brought back her previous characters while introducing the new ones: Jake and Miranda, allowing them to be the center of the story, is witty and creative. Tiger’s Eye by Catherine Chernow is a fantastic read and makes Bride’s Inn a fantastic series, thus far. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us next with the third in the Bride's Inn Series: Magic Man!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance


*Heat Rating:3- Cupid’s Ardor Arrow
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*Violence Rating:2- Blunt-Tipped Arrow
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Official Blurb:
Miranda Hollander seeks refuge from her terrifying past, but her heart won't find respite from the man with the golden tiger's eyes.

One dark, snowy winter night, Jake Hunter arrives at Bride's Inn, mistaking Miranda's room for his. As the storm rages outside, he becomes Miranda's golden prince, making her soar to heights of passion on gossamer wings, loving her body in ways she could only imagine.

As morning's first light dawns, it brings reality revealing the secret her
tiger prince harbors, and the real reason he has come to Bride's Inn.

TIGER'S EYE: Book Two of the Bride's Inn series a scarefest of erotic
romance!

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Happy Reading!
*Dee*

Monday, February 25, 2008

D. Renee Bagby-- Guest Blog: Part 1!!!

Hello everyone, and thanks for stopping by! Today, we have Part One of D. Renee Bagby's guest blog! Mandy and I at Rogues and Romance are absolutely thrilled to have her here. :-) We were BOTH lucky enough to review Adrienne, and D. Renee Bagby is here today to give us some deleted scenes and things she couldn't mention in Adrienne. :-)

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Little Known Facts about Adrienne

These facts fall into three categories—the way it was, deleted scenes and stuff I couldn’t mention in the book but wanted known

Deleted Scenes
This is stuff that was sacrificed on the editing altar. My original submission was one hundred and thirty thousand words. That got cut to ninety-seven thousand for the final release.

- There was a short chapter where Adrienne’s family goes to the police station near the college and talks to the cops about the incident. That was the first introduction of the family. It got cut so the story could flow better. Also, I didn’t want to write a parallel scene/chapter later where Adrienne and her parents went back and talked to the cops again.

- After the picnic-breakfast scene, minus Malik up a tree—that was added before final release—but before the wedding, Adrienne had another dinner with the court. In that scene, Rena made her first appearance and the reader learned all about Rena’s mother and how Indivar ended up with her. Obviously, that information was worked into the picnic scene thus making the second dinner obsolete.


Stuff I Couldn’t Mention
This is stuff that just didn’t fit anywhere due to length and flow issues. It still applies and is pertinent info, but not necessary to enjoy reading Adrienne.

- Mushira is married and has two children and one grandchild. Her daughter, through no fault of Mushira’s, is spoiled and haughty. She refuses to follow in her mother’s footsteps and act as a lady’s maid. Mushira’s son, on the other hand, is more than happy to train under Saj and he’s raising his daughter to serve, as well.

- Mushira’s mother was Queen Dione’s lady’s maid and her dedication to her job made her somewhat negligent. The only time she paid attention to Mushira was during training to be a proper lady’s maid for the future queen. When Queen Dione was assassinated, grief made Mushira’s mother follow.

- Qamar is three years married to a lovely young lady who works in the kitchens. They are currently (as of the story) debating on whether to bring a third into their relationship to impregnate the young lady or simply have a fertility mage change some of Qamar’s eggs into sperm and conceive that way (yes, they can do that).

- Nimat was kicked out of her home at a young age because her mother was jealous of her beauty (think Snow White and the wicked stepmother, except this was her actual mother). Nimat’s mother is actually jealous of Nimat because she’s the lady’s maid to Adrienne.

- Hani is child number four of a ten child household. Everyone in her family is an assassin. As to where the assassins are trained and where her family lives, you’ll just have to keep reading the Bron Universe stories to find out. It’s a major plot point so I can’t mention it without giving away stuff.

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Check out our reviews for Adrienne!

Happy Reading!
Check back soon for Part Two: The Way it Was!
*Dee*
R&R

Nuit Aux Trois by Melinda Barron

Whew! I'm crankin out the reviews today! This is my second review for Resplendence Publishing, and I'm feeling like taking on another one! :-) Melinda Barron has done a fantastic job with Nuit Aux Trois, and I hope that my review comes across just as well to get some of you readers interested!

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Nuit Aux Trois
Melinda Barron

Resplendence Publishing, LLC.
October 2007
eBook
51 pages
Erotic Romance, Paranormal

Quinn, Dev, and Fletch are the perfect roommates. They get along just great, especially Dev and Fletch, who are a match made in heaven. However, the longer Quinn lives with the two guys, the more sexually frustrated she becomes, but Quinn knows that she is miss-reading their signals and is just lonely…right?

Quinn recently got passed up for a job opening at her TV Station, because she’s not a size two. So, she takes two weeks vacation time to go ghost hunting with the guys. After all, she’s a skeptic, and it’s their job, what’s the harm?

However, a lot can happen in an old haunted plantation house. Things definitely begin to sizzle between Quinn, Dev, and Fletch, but will Quinn accept their offer of love and so much more. After all, she’s wanted it too, or is it all just a bit too much?

Nuit Aux Trois has just the right amount of erotica, romance, and paranormal. I absolutely loved how well Nuit Aux Trois ebbed and flowed. Melinda Barron has done an amazing job writing Nuit Aux Trois. Her characters are exceptionally crafted as well. Everything about Melinda Barron's writing is very realistic. You'll feel as if you've stepped into Dev, Quinn, and Fletch's world!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance


Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating: *3- Steel Arrow
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Official Blurb:
Quinn’s two roommates, lovers Fletcher Covair and Devlin St. Giles, have the perfect idea: Quinn will accompany them on a Halloween ghost hunt at a haunted plantation. Quinn agrees, knowing there’s no such thing as ghosts and thinking the time away will give her time to assess her future job prospects, and if nothing else, a chance to relax.

But the plantation’s resident ghost, Alison, has other ideas. She wants help in righting a long-time wrong, and it seems that the ghost has chosen Quinn, Dev, and Fletch to assist her. While Quinn’s mind is reeling from the knowledge that there are really ghosts, she comes to another shocking realization: Dev and Fletch have more on their minds than ghost hunting, and Alison isn’t the only restless spirit who wants to make contact.

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Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Ticket Me More by Tia Fanning

I feel so lucky to be able to review yet another piece of work by Tia Fanning. I was able to review Rules of Darkness (loved it), and Ticket Me More was just as fabulous! Enjoy the review, and be sure to check this one out!

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Ticket Me More
Tia Fanning

Resplendence Publishing, LLC
October 2007
E-book
53 Pages
Erotic romance

As Melanie Darling is speeding home from work one night, she gets pulled over. She’s never been pulled over before. So, she decides she’ll try to flirt her way out of it. Lucky for her, she gets off with a warning from Officer Michael Johnson. Melanie’s always been the good girl. She’s never been drunk, never smoked, never done drugs, and she’s never even had sex. She actually feels good about getting pulled over. Atleast it added some spice to her life.

So, Melanie decides she needs a little bit more spice. She’s going to get her man: Officer Johnson. The next night, Melanie flies by Officer Johnson at 85, and much to her satisfaction, gets pulled over. Melanie is dressed to impress, and she begins to pull out ever trick in the book. Just as things are about to heat up between them, on the side of the road, Michael backs out. However, the new Melanie isn’t going to take rejection. She’ll continue pulling out her bag of tricks until she has her man, because Michael wants her too.

Ticket Me More definitely had me laughing before I got to the second page. Melanie is a great character, and Michael just fits with her. Their romance is hot and spicy, and Melanie getting ticket after ticket just to grab his eye is comical. Tia Fanning has written a snappy and fun read, with a thoroughly developed plot. Ticket Me More is a great novella, and I thoroughly recommend giving this one a read. And as always, novellas are a great way to get to know an author, and Tia Fanning is amazing!

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance


Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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*No Violence*

Official Blurb:
Melanie Rose Darling is a very unhappy florist.

Hailed by the bridal flower world as an artistic genius, Meli works long nights making bouquets for women lucky enough to find love, while she herself lives a life of solitude. She yearns to share her heart and body with someone other than Bob, her Battery Operated Boyfriend, but acute shyness keeps her from engaging the “living” world.

However, Meli’s quiet and predictable existence takes an unexpected turn when she is pulled over and ticketed by the most gorgeous cop she has ever encountered… Officer Michael Johnson. Though he does not seem to notice her as anything more than a traffic violation, Meli makes plans to overcome her timid nature and seize the police officer’s attention… using any speed necessary.

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If Ticket Me More sounds like your cup of tea, don't forget to check out my review for Rules of Darkness by Tia Fanning!


Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Healer's Garden by Nina Pierce

Wow! What a great read! I actually anticipated that this review would take me a few days, because it's a bit longer than what I'm used it. However, I flew through The Healer's Garden! Nina Pierce is on my list of author's I have got to find out more about!

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The Healer’s Garden
Nina Pierce

Liquid Silver Books
2007
978-1-59578-411-7
E-book
158 Pages
Futuristic Erotica

In 2172, there are no same-sex couples. The government has taken the necessary precautions in order to keep the population under control. Females dominate a society where men are enslaved.

Step forward in time with Jahara, who has what seems to be a perfect life. She works at a major healing facility, she is descended from a Dame in a position of power, and she has the perfect girlfriend, Merenith. Well, everything was almost perfect, until the day the official government disk arrived. She’ll have to leave everything she knows, her job, friends, family, home, for 2 years to fulfill her obligation: to birth two healthy children.

Merenith’s number one fear of Jahara leaving her has to do with the rumor of the tribes of men and women who live outside the law. But Jahara is off to the Garden of Serenity, where she meets Brenimyn, an adult male breeder. Yet, Brenimyn is tired of being simply a woman’s tool, and that too, will change when he meets Jahara…

Nina Pierce grabs your attention with The Healer’s Garden from the very first page, and holds on to it throughout the entire story. The characters are amazingly well crafted with realistic qualities despite being futuristic. The relationships are relatable and true. Nina Pierce is an excellent writer, and you’ll find yourself pouring through The Healer’s Garden and wanting more from Nina Pierce.

-Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance


Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating: *0- No Violence

Official Blurb:
In a female dominated society, mating with a male, even if it is to save the human race, is a distasteful task and one Healer Jahara Hriznek has successfully avoided--but time and excuses have both run out. Adhering to the outdated procreation law of the twenty-first century, she takes up residence at the government breeding facility known as the Garden of Serenity.

Brenimyn is a gifted breeding instructor at the Garden. Forced to copulate with all females who request his services, he is tired of the sexist government enslaving men. He lives to find the woman who will fulfill his destiny and help him bring about social equality.

Can Brenimyn and Jahara learn to trust each other and their hearts and allow love to bring about a new world order in The Healer's Garden?

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Happy Reading!

*Dee*

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

When the Snow Lay Round About by Kirsti Ahlers, Veronica Towers, Linda Mooney, and J.L. Foster

Whew! What a fantastic read! I read When the Snow Lay Round About all in one sitting! Well, I should really say, in one day. :-) I picked the perfect time, too. It's been snowing here in Indiana, all day. :-) Enjoy the review!

When the Snow Lay Round About
Kristi Ahlers, Veronica Towers, Linda Mooney, and J.L. Foster

Dark Castle Lords
ISBN 978 1 921347 31 3
eBook
278 pages

The Night Before Christmas
Kristi Ahlers
Rourke is home from battle and just in time for Yule. He is greeted by his sister, Sophia and her best friend Jacqueline. However, while Rourke was gone, Sophia and Jacqueline devised a plan, a plan that will make Rourke finally admit to his love for Jacqueline.
However, the plan is off to a rocky start, in part, due to the fact that Rourke finds Jacqueline irresistible. Thus, he becomes tongue-tied in her presence, and says the wrong things at the wrong time. There’s a downside though, Jacqueline has only two days to convince Rourke that they should be together forever, because once she goes home, she’ll married to another. Will Jacqueline’s plan work, and will she get the man of her dreams?

The Night Before Christmas takes place back in 1070. It’s a fantastic historical romance. Yet, the characters, no matter how long ago they lived, are dramatically realistic and genuine. Kristi Ahlers has managed to capture history, young love, and true love, all at once. Her writing is fluid, and The Night Before Christmas, as a novella, is a great way to get a taste of just what she is capable of.


Dreams to Keep
Veronica Towers
Lady Amanda Grace Ellington has her work cut out for her. See, her sister, Alyce, was to marry Sir William. However, she found her true love. Now, their father doesn’t want to risk losing Sir William’s money, and sends Amanda in Alyce’s place.
Before Amanda arrives at Sir William’s though, with the snow coming down hard, her coach loses a wheel, and she must now venture in the freezing cold by foot. Just as she is making her way up the front steps at Sir William’s though, she slips, and lands right in a snow drift, where Sir William finds her.
At first, Sir William feels tricked, finding that he is now married Amanda, not the young and spunky Alyce, but that, too, changes…

Sir William and Lady Amanda are quite fiery as far as characters go! Their relationship is as intense as their personalities, and they work just delightful together. Veronica Towers keeps the pace with When the Snow Lay Round About, as a whole. Her infusion of history and romance is perfect for this anthology. The way she has written Dreams to Keep is just marvelous, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with these two main characters.


Sandcastle
Linda Mooney
Terrie has had it rough the past few years with her mother’s death, battling leukemia herself, and Phillip walking out. But now, she’s moved back to her hometown in Texas, and things are really looking up for her. She’s healthier, and dealing with everything that has happened to her fairly well. Now she’s ready to grab a hold of everything that’s thrown at her, and take it on in full-force, including Paul Leeds and his family. But he’s married…isn’t he?...

Sandcastle is the only story in the anthology set in present-day. Where it is different, I think it gives us a little break in the pace, in a lovely way. Linda Mooney has crafted very strong and independent characters all across the board in Sandcastle. They have all had their struggles, and living off of the Gulf is a place where they all find themselves recovering and starting life anew. It’s a fantastic story that helps to pull this anthology together!


Elisabeth’s Holiday Wish
JL Foster
Step back again in time with Sir Harrison and Elisabeth. Sir Harrison must find a wife, or he will lose his newly acquire land, since his father’s passing. Elisabeth’s mind is on caring for her family, since her father too, has passed. However, late one night, while Elisabeth is visiting family and friend’s graves in the cemetery, Sir Harrison sneaks up on and startles her. Elisabeth, being a lady, leaves promptly before anything happens. However, as soon as they exit the cemetery, Elisabeth gives Sir Harrison a verbal lashing, and then kisses him with as much force as her words…
Now, Sir Harrison and Elisabeth are married, and Elisabeth finds herself feeling awfully lonely on Christmas Eve. She remembers back to the caroling and happy times when she was just a peasant. But, she finds herself living with Sir Harrison in a ghost town. It was a town ravaged by war, where they are now the town’s only residents. Elisabeth misses the community she had grown up in and loved so much. So, will Sir Harrison be able to grant Elisabeth her that one Christmas wish?

From the beginning of Elisabeth’s Holiday Wish, we know that Sir Harrison and Elisabeth are wed. However, the way the story unfolds, some of which is told from Elisabeth’s point of view, is what makes Elisabeth’s Holiday Wish so captivating. JL Foster has created characters that are both fully developed and captivating, with an exceptionally fluid storyline to match.

When the Snow Lay Round About
These four fabulous stories all tie nicely together, as do each author’s individual talent. They each bring their own blend of writing to intrigue any reader to envelop themselves in all four stories. While it’s past Christmas, you’ll still find that the love and romance brought to the table by all four authors keeps you reading way past the holiday season. You’ll also find little “extras” at the end of each story, including various recipes and the author’s special Christmas traditions! When the Snow Lay Round About is definitely one for your keeper shelf!

--Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance


Heat Rating: *2- Cupid's Passion Arrow
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Violence Rating: *0- No Violence

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Happy Reading!
*Dee*